Renderings: 2012 BMW 3 Series F30

LeftLaneNews and Jon Sibal published new renderings of the next generation BMW 3 Series. Due out in 2012, the new 3 Series, dubbed F30, is …

LeftLaneNews and Jon Sibal published new renderings of the next generation BMW 3 Series. Due out in 2012, the new 3 Series, dubbed F30, is shaping up to be one of the most technological advanced BMWs ever built by the Munich-based automaker.

Design wise, the new F30 3 Series Sedan will return to the “slimmer look”, but the proportions of a typical 3 Series remain, with squat proportions and short rear overhang. The overall exterior design is more toned and muscular, bringing some the aggressiveness and design lines seen in the recent models.

BMW is getting back to basics with clean uncluttered shapes, plus lower and wider kidney grille openings. The sedan model will feature shorter overhangs, but at the same time, a longer wheelbase, at least 1.5″ longer than the current generation. The F30 will sport a “pushing nose”, somewhat similar to the E89 Z4 front-end.

The hood design will also most likely mimic one found in the Z4 and the new 5 Series, with more aggressive, but still fluent design lines. The 3 Series has its wheels pushed all the way out to the corners, which gives the car a great stance and muscular good looks.

The typical BMW glasshouse remains and in the new design, the 3D line above the Hofmeister Kink, as featured on the 7 Series, will be present as well. The rear flanks from the taillights towards the rear door, are left with a subtle line that links to the shape of the lights and the bootlid sculpture.

The front-fascia will receive a wider kidney grille, but slightly smaller than in the new 5 Series and less bold than the 5 GT. While not confirmed, the base design of the new corona rings headlights will remain and according to some sources, under each headlight unit there is a semicircle shape that in the center allows for a V shaped opening where the kidney grille is placed. There are still plenty of rumors floating around mentioning some CS Concept design cues being used in the F30 3er.

The taillights maintain the typical L-shape design that wrap around the corners.

BMW will also enable the next 3 Series to feature the very latest in Efficient Dynamics technologies, such as aerodynamically designed wheels , BMW active aerodynamics, solar roof panel for extra energy efficiency in the use of interior controls, brake energy regeneration , stop-start technology , pre-heating technology for the engine, gearbox and differential. Many of the technology powering the new 3 Series, such as the climate control system or telematics, will be completely re-engineered.

The expected range of powerplants includes 6-cylinder engines, complemented by a new range of 4-cylinder engines and possibly even a 3-cylinder variant for Europe.